The first Fazoli’s closes; second to shut down in six months

In this 1989 file photo, Martin Sherrod, left and Clint Sherrod of the Sherrod Sign Company change the sign on Gratzi’s, on North Broadway in Lexington, to it’s new name, Fazoli’s. Photo by Clay Owen, Herald-Leader

In this 1989 file photo, Martin Sherrod, left and Clint Sherrod of the Sherrod Sign Company change the sign on Gratzi’s, on North Broadway in Lexington, to it’s new name, Fazoli’s. Photo by Clay Owen, Herald-Leader

The site of the first Fazoli’s, a Lexington-based fast-casual Italian restaurant chain, has closed.

The restaurant, located at 1951 North Broadway, closed June 28. It opened in 1988 under the name Gratzi’s. Since then, the chain has expanded to more than 200 restaurants in 26 states.

Ellie Mannix, a spokesperson for Fazoli’s, issued a statement on the closure.

“Team members have already been notified of the closure and offered jobs at other Fazoli's locations in Lexington. We are grateful for the opportunity to have served guests at this original landmark location for many years. As America's largest fast casual Italian chain, Fazoli's looks forward to continuing to serve the community at any of its other Lexington locations,” the statement read in part.

According to online property valuation records, the building is valued at $780,000 and is owned by Bourbon Square Inc. Michael Reynolds, a Lexington attorney who is listed as the agent of the company, said the fate of the building has yet to be determined.